CASE: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT WAL-MART
Discussion Questions
1. Describe Wal-Mart’s supply chain and how it integrates with the other elements of its strategy.
2. If you were in the position of Johnnie Do
s, what is your analysis of Wal-Mart’s supply chain? Are the company’s supply chain capabilities still a source of competitive advantage? Why or why not?
3. What is your evaluation of the Remix and RFID initiatives? Is Remix and RFID the right place for the company to focus its efforts?
4. Is the company’s target for maintaining inventory growth at a rate of 50 percent of sales growth reasonable?
5. Where do you see the opportunities for Wal-Mart in its global supply chain?
6. What are the concerns for Wal-Mart?
CASE: THE WHEELS GROUP: EVOLUTON OF A THIRD PARTY LOGISTICS
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Discussion Questions
1. What are some of the logistics activities that a manufacturer could outsource?
2. Why would a manufacturer decide to outsource its logistics function? What are some of the advantages associates with outsourcing the logistics function to a third-party provider?
3. What are some of the drawbacks associated with outsourcing the logistics function to a third- or fourth-party provider?
4. What do you speculate are some of the emerging trends that are influencing the structure of the third-party logistics (3PL) industry?
5. How does the Wheels Group add value for its customers?
6. What are the Wheels Group’s core competencies and what has made the business successful to date?
7. Should the Wheels Group pursue a non-asset-based growth strategy or an asset-based strategy? Why or why not?
8. What are the advantages and disadvantages associates with pursuing each alternative?